Twenty second February marks a pivotal shift for ITV operations in the Valencian Community. The management of ITV facilities, previously held by private concessionaires, is set to transition into public administration via the Valencian Vehicle Technical Inspection Association (SVITV), under the leadership of Josep Albert. This change follows a formal extension announced by the Ministry of Economy, which communicated to the seven stations still delivering ITV services and to the coordinating body Aecova – ITV at their morning meeting. The extension extends the period of public administration control by fifty-three days beyond the January 2 reversal date that had been planned, a move designed to ensure a smooth handover and uninterrupted service during the transition. The new timeline keeps the public sector’s grip on operations for a measured duration, aligning with broader regional objectives to standardize vehicle safety inspections and maintain consistent oversight across the Valencian Community. The decision emphasizes continuity of service for vehicle owners and operators while the public administration assumes full responsibility for the ITV network, including staffing, maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. The collaboration among SVITV, Aecova – ITV, and the Ministry of Economy underlines a coordinated approach to public management that seeks to preserve service levels, protect consumer interests, and ensure regulatory compliance during the takeover process. In this context, Josep Albert’s leadership is expected to guide the transition with a focus on transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while ensuring that all stations remain compliant with national and regional inspection standards throughout the interim period.
The extension’s duration, though shorter than the six-month window initially requested by concessionary companies, is tied to a defined historical reference: the period from March 17, 2020 to May 8, 2020, which the Ministry cited when detailing the extension framework. This time frame recalls the disruptions caused by the health crisis and the resulting state of alarm declared to manage the COVID-19 situation, during which ITV services in the Community of Valencia faced shutdowns because service delivery was not feasible. The current arrangement recognizes the need to prevent service gaps as the public administration team, led by SVITV, assumes operational control. By maintaining continuity and gradually transferring responsibilities, the authorities aim to safeguard public safety, ensure regular vehicle inspections, and align with existing regulatory requirements. The extension therefore serves not only as a transitional bridge but also as a strategic period during which the public sector can consolidate administrative capacity, integrate technical procedures, and implement standardized protocols across all ITV stations. This process remains subject to ongoing oversight and verification by the Ministry of Economy, the SVITV board, and the coordinating body Aecova – ITV, with a clear objective of delivering consistent, reliable inspection services to Valencian motorists while upholding the highest safety standards. The anticipated handover is framed as a careful, well-orchestrated changeover designed to minimize disruption and preserve public trust in the ITV network and its governance structures during the transition phase, as noted by official communications and subsequent updates from regional authorities and collaborators involved in the public administration shift.